Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Introduction to International Relations

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_283
Branch of Science
International Politics; Political science
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

SZF, Kuldigas Street 9C, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

The course aims to develop students’ understanding of international policy guidelines and scientific aspects of research of international relations.

Preliminary Knowledge

Basic knowledge of politics.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Will know international policy developments and basic concepts of the academic discipline of international relations.

Skills

1.Ability to analyse developments in international relations at a fundamental level.

Competences

1.To be able to conceptualise information about developments in international relations and use them to analyse in a structured way.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

50.00% from total grade
10 points

Work with required readings of the course; preparation for seminar discussions. To assess the overall quality of the study course, the student must complete the course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

50.00% from total grade
10 points

Exam: 50% (Direct multi-choice question test on compulsory literature and lecture substance).

2.

Informed participation in seminars

50.00% from total grade
10 points

Students should prepare for the seminar and participate in it in accordance with the lecturer’s requirements described in E-studies.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

What is the science of “international relations”? How did it appear and what does it study?
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

What is the science of “international relations”? How did it appear and what does it study?
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introductory discussion in theories of international relations; watching video material.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introductory discussion in theories of international relations; watching video material.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theoretical guidelines of international relations: realism and liberalism.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theoretical guidelines of international relations: realism and liberalism.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theoretical guidelines of international relations: realism and liberalism.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theoretical guidelines of international relations: realism and liberalism.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Great powers of different ages and their meaning in the international system.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Great powers of different ages and their meaning in the international system.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Great powers of different ages and their meaning in the international system.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Great powers of different ages and their meaning in the international system.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

United Nations, its structure, functions and powers. Meaning of international organisations in international relations.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

United Nations, its structure, functions and powers. Meaning of international organisations in international relations.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

United Nations, its structure, functions and powers. Meaning of international organisations in international relations.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

United Nations, its structure, functions and powers. Meaning of international organisations in international relations.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

International law and diplomacy.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

International law and diplomacy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

World economic institutions.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

World economic institutions.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

World economic institutions.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

World economic institutions.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Global poverty, inequality and development policy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Global poverty, inequality and development policy.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Global poverty, inequality and development policy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Environmental policy and climate change.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Environmental policy and climate change.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Latvian foreign policy directions and latest developments.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Latvian foreign policy directions and latest developments.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Latvian foreign policy directions and latest developments.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Preparing for an exam
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Preparing for an exam
  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Exam.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Visa literatūra ir angļu valodā un piemērota gan latviešu, gan angļu plūsmas studentiem

2.

Joseph Grieco, G. John Ikenberry and Michael Mastanduno. Introduction to International Relations. 3rd ed. Bloomsbury, 2022.Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Angela Stent, Jo Inge Bekkevold, Kristi Raik, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, et all. "Two Years On, What’s Next in Ukraine?". Foreign Policy, FEBRUARY 19, 2024.Suitable for English stream

2.

Stephen M. Walt. "NATO Should Not Accept Ukraine—for Ukraine’s Sake". Foreign Policy. MARCH 5, 2024.Suitable for English stream